Allgas Energy withdraws its authorisation applications
Allgas Energy applied to the ACCC in 1999 for authorisation and interim authorisation under Part VII of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
The authorisation applications related to negotiating, making, and giving effect to, contracts between Allgas and a number of potential users regarding the terms of supply and acquisition of gas. They also provided for the involvement of Comalco in Allgas’ negotiation of the terms on which it would be prepared to acquire gas from the PNG gas project.
After public consultation, the ACCC granted interim authorisation in June 1999 to Allgas. The applications have not been progressed to a draft or final decision for a number of reasons including delays in the PNG Gas Project.
Because of the delay to the authorisation review process, the ACCC recently approached the applicants about the status of the applications. After consideration, Allgas advised the ACCC that it would be withdrawing the applications as of 30 September 2004.
Accordingly, the ACCC revoked the interim authorisation with effect from 30 September 2004 to coincide with the withdrawal by Allgas of the underlying authorisation applications.
Access arrangements
Revisions to the access arrangement for the GasNet System
During September 2004 the ACCC received a number of submissions with respect to the revisions GasNet Australia (Operations) Pty Ltd proposed during August 2004 to its access arrangement. The GasNet system transports natural gas through Victoria, and extends into southern NSW.
After considering submissions, the ACCC will issue its draft decision.
A copy of GasNet's application and the submissions received on the application can be found on the ACCC website at www.accc.gov.au
Regulatory guidelines
On 23 September 2004 the ACCC conducted a seminar for service providers and other interested parties as part of its consultation process on draft guidelines it had developed on dispute resolution and regulatory reporting.
The ACCC will consider further submissions before issuing the guidelines.
A copy of the guidelines and the submissions received on the guidelines ican be found on the ACCC website at www.accc.gov.au
